Press Release
BI Incorporated achieves ISO 9001: 2008 Certification for high quality standards |
| By BI Incorporated |
| Published: 09/16/2009 |
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Company Profile
| CorrectSource
Article: BOULDER, Colo., Sept. 15, 2009 – BI Incorporated announced today that it has earned the highest distinction possible for quality products and services by earning the ISO 9001: 2008 certification, an industry-leading management standard developed by the International Organizations of Standardization (ISO). Det Norske Veritas, one of the world’s most respected ISO-certification bodies, completed the independent audit of BI and granted the certification. BI earned the new ISO certification for its product development, manufacturing, service operations and call center operations. This certification is valid until Jan. 20, 2012. “BI has been a major proponent of the development of high quality standards for the industry,” said Bruce Thacher, BI President and CEO. “We first earned ISO certification in 1995. Since then, we have been audited and re-certified several times and we will continue to make this effort because it is good for us and the industry.” Formed in 1978, BI is the nation’s largest provider of technology, treatment, training and supervision for correctional agencies. The company’s location monitoring technologies, including sophisticated Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking, radio-frequency, and alcohol monitoring systems, are used throughout the United States. BI equipment is used to monitor approximately 50,000 individuals in the United States every day. In addition, BI delivers cognitive behavioral treatment programs based on evidence-based principles in more than 30 day reporting center locations. Today, BI holds more than 900 contracts with federal, state and local correctional agencies to deliver these products and services. “The audit and certification process are timely and expensive, but considering public safety is at stake, we feel it is necessary for us and the industry to reach for the highest standards possible,” Thacher added. Since ISO 9000: 2008 applies to processes, not products, it does not contain technical specifications; rather it contains criteria for quality management, which refers to what an organization does to ensure that its products and services meet the customer’s requirements. To meet these criteria, BI established and measures uniform and continuous quality management practices in eight areas involving customer satisfaction, internal processes and systems, information gathering, and supplier relationships. The ISO 9000: 2008 standard includes a strong emphasis on customer service and satisfaction. BI has encouraged governmental agencies, including state, county and local corrections departments, to demand manufacturers of electronic monitoring equipment meet the most current ISO standards and become certified. Today, many agencies are making ISO certification a requirement during the procurement process. For more information about the International Organization of Standardization, go to: http://www.iso.ch/iso/en/ISOOnline.frontpage. About BI Incorporated (www.bi.com) Established in 1978, BI Incorporated is the leading technology, treatment and supervision company in community corrections today. BI contracts with approximately 900 governmental agencies nationwide, supporting them with a full continuum of intensive supervision technologies and community-based cognitive behavioral reentry programs for adult and juvenile offenders. BI’s ISO 9001:2008 certified national monitoring center, owned and operated by BI, provides 24/7 expert support supervision services exclusively for governmental agencies. BI works closely with local public corrections officials to cost effectively reduce recidivism, promote public safety, and strengthen the communities it serves using evidence-based practices in a community setting. Media Contacts: Monica Hook, BI Communications Director, 303-218-1230, monica.hook@bi.com |
